Windows: If you're getting a little tired of the handful of low-resolution backgrounds for the Start screen in Windows 8, Stardock's Decor8 gives you all the tools you need to personalize it to your heart's content.

Decor8 lets you ditch the stock backgrounds for the Start screen and replace them with images you've downloaded, including high-resolution photos from the web. You can even add custom effects to the background like blurring and fading so it suits you just right. Decor8 also lets you select a photo of images and rotate the Start screen background periodically. Additionally, the app lets you choose how many columns and rows of tiles are on the Start screen, and Decor8 also gives you the tools to design your own color scheme for Windows, so you're not stuck with the colors available in the default settings.

You can try Decor8 free for 30 days, after which it'll start nagging you to buy a full license. The app will only set you back $5, so if you know you'll enjoy the features it offers, you may as well buy it outright. Otherwise, grab the demo and give it a try first.